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Entered CNET Catalog: 12/11/2003
SKU: 0816220001501
Manufacturer: DoubleSight Displays, LLC
Manufacturer description
Microsoft has already enabled its Windows operating systems to support multiple monitors - up to 10 of them! The benefit of using multiple monitors is instant and immense because the user can display a different program or document on each monitor at the same time. Are you dealing with multiple windows? Then DoubleSight is for you! The new DoubleSight dual LCD monitor is an attractive, cost effective alternative to large CRT monitors that consume a lot of physical desktop space or expensive LCD monitors. DoubleSight harnesses your information and computing power utilizing a unique approach to the multiple monitor feature to enhance the user's viewing and productivity experience. By connecting two LCD monitor panels side-by-side using a single base stand, DoubleSight provides large monitor real estate in a small footprint at a very affordable cost. DoubleSight provides an economic, easy-to-use technique for seamlessly displaying as much data as a single 20-inch LCD monitor. Users have an instantly clear view of their programs instead of time-consuming switching between programs or document windows with overly crowded desktop space and limited viewing. By performing fast reactions to multiple information sources, DoubleSight users can experience significant productivity increases ranging from approximately 20 to 50 percent by easily managing their multiple programs simultaneously. Unlike large-screen monitors that often sacrifice legibility to offer more desktop space under a high resolution, the DoubleSight dual LCD monitor can effectively provide large desktop space in a legible format. Investment in single, large monitors is not always effective. Large screen CRT monitors can easily waste desktop space and energy, and large-screen LCD monitors (19-inch or greater) are expensive. In addition to productivity gains, DoubleSight users may see extra benefits such as cost savings from reduced desk space and electricity usage if they upgrade from a single CRT monitor. A quick return on investment (ROI) within weeks is very possible from the combination of these productivity gains and cost savings. DoubleSight's patent-pending "Intelligent Multi-screen Control Mechanism" technology and industrial design employ a single controlling motherboard that seamlessly manages and adjusts the display of multi-screen monitors. By distributing or replicating signals to both display panels, users have the ability to display a different window on each monitor panel at the same time, or stretch Excel spreadsheets across two monitors so they can see more columns without scrolling. While using one monitor to do research on the Web, users can summarize their data in a Word document on the other monitor panel. DoubleSight's one-stop access for controlling dual displays also includes intuitive menu-driven on-screen display controls for selecting how the user wants to set up each LCD panel. DoubleSight combines a stylish appearance with a unique, light yet sturdy design that requires a minimum of desk space. Depending on the users' choice, DoubleSight can be easily installed on a desk or wall-mounted due to its simplified, slim flat design. DoubleSight's ergonomic efficiency improves the user's natural perception and ability to multitask by employing a primary "focal point" screen as well as a second screen for supporting peripheral vision. If your job demands multiple windows open simultaneously, then DoubleSight is definitely for you!CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 02/04/2004
DoubleSight's DS-1500 dual-panel LCD might well have been named the Double Take. Made of two conjoined 15-inch LCD panels, the DS-1500 features a very wide viewing area with a 2,048x768 maximum resolution, perfect for spreadsheet jockeys, stock traders, writers, Internet shoppers, or anyone else who works with multiple applications or windows simultaneously. While you could get better image quality and more features (for about the same price) running two IBM ThinkVision L150p's side by side, we think the DoubleSight DS-1500 shows the substantial potential of the multiple-panel display--that two heads are indeed better than one--and we expect to see more of them in the future.
The DoubleSight DS-1500Â's total viewable area runs 24 inches wide and 9 inches high. The screens are surrounded on three sides by a 1-inch, brushed-silver-color, plastic bezel; the bezel on the bottom edge is slightly wider. Most notably, the panels are separated by a 1-inch-thick, black-plastic strip that seems like a visual impediment at first, like a pillar in Fenway Park. However, our eyes adjusted to it quickly, and it didnÂ't significantly disturb our experience. You can use the DS-1500 as one wide display spread across two screens or as two separate displays. Once an application window is open, you can simply drag it from one screen to the other.
The DS-1500 sits on a reasonably sturdy, clawlike aluminum foot. Despite its ungainly width-to-height ratio, the monitor has a fair range of movement. It can be tilted forward slightly and backward 20 degrees; it swivels 45 degrees to the right and left and can be wall mounted, which might come in handy because at just 16 inches tall, this display is definitely height challenged. Even average-height people may need to put a riser under it.
The DoubleSight DS-1500 is an unusual monitor, and it has some unusual system requirements to match--namely, your computerÂ's graphics card must have two analog outputs. If you have one analog and one digital port, youÂ'll need to buy a DVI-VGA connector (for about $12). ItÂ's more likely, however, that your computerÂ's card has just one analog port, so you'll need a new card to use the DS-1500 (DoubleSightÂ's Web site lists compatible cards).
The DS-1500 turned in middling scores in CNET LabÂ's performance tests. Text looked clear and legible, but blacks were not particularly deep. Colors looked average. While perfectly acceptable for day-to-day business use, off-tints in colored gradients and an overall lack of vibrancy limit the DS-1500Â's use for precise tasks. As a result, we canÂ't recommend the DoubleSight DS-1500 for graphic designers, gamers, video junkies, or photo editors.
DoubleSight covers the DS-1500 with a standard one-year warranty; the company will extend the warranty for six months for free if you complete the product registration, and a three-year, extended warranty is also available. Toll-free technical support is provided for the length of the warranty; it's available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PT.
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CNET Labs DisplayMate tests (Longer bars indicate better performance) |
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Brightness in nits (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3
User Rating: 
3/10
Interesting, but overpriced and out-competed
Pros: nice bezel color
Cons: poor ergonomics, screen quality, price, size, warranty
http://www.cinemassivedisplays.com
Dual displays are in fact as good as everyone says. I would prefer them any day to one big mass of pixels. I find the separate screens useful as a means for partitioning my workspace and keeping it organized. Im not a graphics artist, whom I imagine would need a massive splay of pixels.
User Rating: 
8/10
High Quality Product
Pros: Large horizontal view, low desk usage
Cons: No digital in, too small for me
User Rating: 
9/10
I definitely recommend this monitor!
Pros: Maximized productivity, great picture quality, lots of work area, company offers great technical support
Cons: none that I encountered; might buy a 17" or 19" next time
A+++
